Cristal Ortega is a senior at the Dominican University. In the summer of 2017, she will be traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4000+ mile ride from Baltimore, MD to San Francisco, CA, raising money and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

What is your connection to the cancer community?

My connection to the cancer community is that I am a cancer survivor. At 20 years old I was diagnosed with stage III soft tissue Ewing's Sarcoma on December 29, 2014 while studying abroad in Spain. I was told I was in remission on March 1, 2016. I went through 17 rounds of chemo, 6 weeks of daily radiation, and a major surgery on April 29, 2016 that left me with a bowel obstruction which caused me to get a PEG tube which was removed on August 3, 2016, and my port was recently removed on December 23, 2016. During my cancer journey, I met several cancer patients and cancer survivors. It was a rough road and some fallen soldiers went as I fought but they'll always be heroes.

Why are you traveling over 4000 miles this summer with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults?

This summer I will be traveling 4,000 miles on a bike and fundraising $4,500 for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. I will be doing this to show cancer that I have control of my life. I want to show cancer that even though it took 2 years of my life, that I can still rise up and get back on my feet. I call the shots in my life, NOT cancer. I want to ride 4,000 miles to give others hope. I want to show other cancer patients that they too can overcome this monster. I'm also fundraising $4,500 so other cancer survivors can get the resources necessary to get back on their feet. Survivorship is just as difficult as treatment. The fight doesn't end when you get told you're in remission. Young adults need all the help possible while they're working on getting back on their feet. Thanks to the Ulman Cancer Fund I was able to participate in Cancer to 5k which helped me get back into running and feeling in control of my life. I want other cancer survivors to get the same opportunities that I got. Your donation will make a big impact in the cancer community and you will be helping other young adults (just like me) to get back on their feet.

ABOUT 2017 4K for Cancer

2017 marks the 16th year of the 4K for Cancer sending young adults on journeys across the country in an effort to inspire hope and unite communities in the fight against cancer. The 4K for Cancer is a program of The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF). Interested in joining the fight? Apply to be a rider or runner at www.4kforcancer.org!

Challenge:

Over 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer every year. Young adults (ages 15-39) face a variety of unique challenges with a cancer diagnosis including fertility preservation, social isolation, lack of insurance, delayed diagnosis, and more.

Solution:

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. With your support, the Ulman Cancer Fund is able to provide free support services and resources for the young adult cancer community including:

Cancer to 5K - a 12-week training program designed to introduce or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity.

Patient Navigation - a free program (onsite at cancer centers and remotely through our office) that ensures no young adult ever faces cancer alone. We provide one-on-one support & resources to young adults and their families to help them manage the cancer experience and long-term cancer survival.

Scholarships - a financial assistance program to help young adults continue their education after being affected by cancer through their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one.

UCF House - This year UCF broke ground on a “home away from home” to provide free housing for young adult cancer patients, and their caregivers, in East Baltimore.

Your donation will help make these programs and our mission possible!

Supporters

Name

Date

Amount

Comments

Cristal Ortega

09/10/2017

$25.00

You are hard to forget Cristal! Brad and I are so happy that we met you....you are an inspiration to me everyday!

Ellen Alamilla

08/31/2017

$100.00

Sara Angel

08/31/2017

$25.00

You didn't just meet your goal, you beat it! Keep kicking ass!

Richard Walstra

08/23/2017

$90.00

Job well done!!!!!

Anonymous Friend

08/18/2017

$50.00

great riding-what an accomplishment--and so selfless and encouraging-congratulations.

McDonalds

08/18/2017

$100.00

Bob & Darlene Carpio

07/07/2017

$50.00

God Bless you and safe travels. What an awesome undertaking.

Michael Miller

07/03/2017

$150.00

Shelli Richard

07/02/2017

$30.00

In support of Felice Maciejewski's friend's cancer journeys. Felice is the mother of my high school friend!

Liz Gilstrap

06/28/2017

$30.00

What an inspiration you all are. Cristal, it was so much fun meeting you yesterday in Kansas City : ) Safe and fun travels to you!

Anonymous Friend

06/28/2017

$40.00

Safe travel!!

Judy Mattox

06/27/2017

$30.00

You blessed our home! Praying for you daily on your journey. Share your testimony with the world . Tony and Judy Mattox

Sue Ponremy

06/27/2017

$100.00

All the best on your journey -- you make us proud. Sue Ponremy

Karen Hand

06/27/2017

$50.00

You are AMAZING! Keep yourself healthy and safe on this long trek and thanks for representing cancer survivors so fiercely!

Stephanie Tovar

06/22/2017

$30.00

You're awesome Cristal! Keep up the great work!

John McNett

06/20/2017

$100.00

So proud of you, Cristal, for your courage to take on yet another challenging adventure. You are a true Dominican Star!

KRISTINE SVACHULA

06/09/2017

$25.00

This is an amazing thing you have dedicated yourself to doing! Have a great ride!

Dennis Ducosin

06/08/2017

$25.00

Hi, Cristal. This is Duke (the Conductor on the Amtrak train who looks like Bruno Mars). You are such an inspiration to me. I admire you so much. Good luck on your 4K For Cancer. I know that you'll do great. Remember, whatever happens, happens.

Catherine Galarza-Espino

06/05/2017

$150.00

Thank you for making a difference. You are a true inspiration. Have a great time on your ride. Just remember to "keep moving forward".

Rosa Ortega

06/04/2017

$20.00

Tyler Gulick

06/04/2017

$50.00

Good Luck Cristal!

Anonymous Friend

05/29/2017

$10.00

From a fellow Dominican University Latino alumna (whose also from Cicero). Have fun!

You inspire all of us here at Dominican University. You're carrying caritas out into the world!

Katie Ross

05/09/2017

$100.00

Have an amazing summer! You're going to give hope to and inspire so many people you meet on your journey. ~Katie (4K San Fran '04 & '06)

Tiffany Gramarossa

05/08/2017

$75.00

You got this! Love you! Woo!

Steve Stryker

05/07/2017

$500.00

Just read about you in Mary Schmich's column. Congrats on the graduation! You're my hero!!!

Mike Harvey

05/07/2017

$100.00

You continue to inspire! Thanks, Mary Schmich!!

Yessenia Alvarado

05/06/2017

$300.00

Happy Graduation present!! I'm so proud of you and everything that you have overcome!
This gift is from fam Alvarado

Madeline McDermott

05/06/2017

$10.00

Jessica Velazquez

05/06/2017

$20.00

So happy for you!

Brian Manjarrez

05/06/2017

$5.00

Well since we are past $4995 a promise is a promise. Now can we get Stan's lol

Esperanza Ibarra

05/06/2017

$75.00

Not only did I read your story, but took the time to read a few stories from a couple other runners/bikers. What you and everyone else is doing is amazing. Fighting your own battle was a hardship and yet you'll still be helping others with inspiration to fight theirs. You are extraordinary, Cristal.

Yvonne McBee

05/06/2017

$50.00

I hope you have an amazing ride!!!

Clint Moyers

05/06/2017

$50.00

Vinu Vazhakoottathil

05/02/2017

$10.00

Bike hard, Cristal!

Erica Roberts

05/01/2017

$30.00

So glad our paths have crossed. So sad that it was cancer that brought us together.

Jasmin Lugo

05/01/2017

$50.00

Go Cristal Go! I want to hear about your experience when you come back.

Joseph Zavala

04/30/2017

$50.00

Keep being an inspiration, I love seeing your progress and your acheivements.

Joanna Rzepka

04/30/2017

$10.00

Way to go Cristal, proud of you!!!

Evelyn Patlan

04/29/2017

$20.00

Jennifer Camacho

04/29/2017

$25.00

Way to go Cristal!!! For pushing yourself to get through anything. So intriguing of you to be doing this to help so many others!!! Best of luck!!

Isaura Gonzalez

04/28/2017

$10.00

❤❤

Mayra Gaona

04/28/2017

$20.00

You're awesome! Go Cristal!

Terri Shimkus

04/25/2017

$20.00

Tim and Susan Hannigan

04/21/2017

$75.00

You are an inspiration. We wish you safe travels with smooth roads. Please ride a mile for Susan's best friend who lost her battle with multiple myeloma at age 52. Her husband, children and grandchildren miss her every day. She has a new grandson on the way, due in August 2017.

Claudia Saucedo

04/20/2017

$25.00

Trudi Goggin Sue Kaszynski

04/18/2017

$100.00

Go Cristal ride with our love and support!!!
You make us so proudly Dominican!

Anonymous Friend

04/17/2017

$50.00

Go, Cristal, go! You're such an inspiring person. Thank you for doing this work.

Adriana Rocha

04/16/2017

$25.00

Jennifer Arce

04/15/2017

$50.00

Excited to follow your journey :)

Christina Meza

04/14/2017

$30.00

You're such an inspiration! Keep it up, Cristal. You're almost at your goal.

Bill Sullivan

04/14/2017

$50.00

Go get 'em Cristal!! Have a great time. Remember to coast on the way down the hills and enjoy your swim in the Pacific.

Yesica Garcia

04/14/2017

$50.00

Veronica Tovar

04/13/2017

$25.00

You're so awesome! I'm so proud of you!! At the end of the bike ride you're gonna be like "new legs, who dis" lol

Cynthia Pines

04/13/2017

$20.00

Good luck Cristal!

Andrea Guzman

04/10/2017

$10.00

Carlos Padilla

04/09/2017

$50.00

Best of luck Cristal!
I'm glad to see you're still the determined person I've met since Freshman year!

The Northside Community Bank

04/05/2017

$150.00

Felice Maciejewski

04/04/2017

$75.00

You are an inspiration! Looking forward to hearing about your journey.

Michelle Kania

04/04/2017

$25.00

Good luck Cristal. Let me know if you need a partner for a weekend ride.

Gloria Pagan

04/03/2017

$50.00

Debbie Ozanic

04/01/2017

$30.00

Good luck!!

Ken Pyburn

03/31/2017

$50.00

Tim Drews

03/29/2017

$100.00

I am happy to hear that you are doing well Cristal. Good luck on your biking trip!

Emmanuel Sanchez

03/29/2017

$10.00

You inspire

Monica Kenar

03/27/2017

$20.00

Guadalupe Chavez

03/27/2017

$100.00

Thanks for raising money for such a great cause.

Melinda Zaviska

03/25/2017

$25.00

You are truly an inspiration, Cristal. Good luck on your journey.

Peter Tess

03/22/2017

$50.00

Good Luck in this inspiring endeavor.

Heather Mares

03/21/2017

$20.00

Get it, Girl! Sending some C25k and YAAC love!!!!

Brianne Kennedy-Brooks

03/13/2017

$50.00

Cristal, I'm so proud of you for going from "I don't run" to biking across the country. You are strong, beautiful and a fierce little fighter. THANK YOU for being YOU!

Mia Luna

03/08/2017

$10.00

Thank you for the cookies :)

Brandon Hernandez

03/07/2017

$100.00

Stay inspired and inspiring. Best of luck on this adventure and whatever adventure comes next!

Jennifer Gnerlich

03/07/2017

$50.00

Cristal - I am inspired by your determination and courage. I am honored to support you spreading courage and hope to others battling cancer!

Tina Goethe

03/06/2017

$50.00

Wishing you all the best on your journey. You are such an inspiration!

Jenny Aguayo

03/06/2017

$20.00

Thank you for being such an awesome role model!

Jill Topf

03/06/2017

$100.00

Best of luck to you! You are an inspiration.

Mary Masterson

03/04/2017

$200.00

Jerry Davis

03/04/2017

$50.00

Good luck with your ride.It has been great spinning with you on Saturdays and I look forward to hearing about your adventure.

Maribel Rosales

03/02/2017

$150.00

Gerardo Rosales

03/02/2017

$100.00

Kristin Shulman

03/02/2017

$25.00

You are an amazing young woman doing good things in this world. So glad to have met you through Cancer to 5K!

Jean Barbato

03/02/2017

$50.00

I am moved by your desire to make what you went through easier on the next person.

Kate and Jerry Smith

03/01/2017

$50.00

Thanks for your inspiration to all of us who have been touched by your story as well as our own!!! You are awesome! God speed!

Morgan Zaviska

03/01/2017

$50.00

Go Cristal, you are awesome for taking on this challenge! I believe in you and know you are going to succeed at this, you're such an inspiration! :)

Phil Cantor

02/28/2017

$20.00

My 15 year-old daughter has a nasty case of pelvic osteosarcoma. I wish you the best on your ride and hope that she'll be doing a ride like this in the future. You ROCK!

Anna Tess

02/28/2017

$50.00

Good Luck! You'll do great! Hope to hear more about it at run club. : )

Kurt Bollnow

02/28/2017

$100.00

Go Cristal. You are an inspiration in Run Club

Tim Fox

02/28/2017

$25.00

Amsted Industries

02/23/2017

$50.00

All Loyola Onc Peeps

02/22/2017

$50.00

Cristal, we think about you every day. We're so happy that you're healthy and don't mind at all that you're making us feel lime a bunch of lazy slobs.

Andrea Leinweber

02/22/2017

$25.00

You are a rockstar Cristal! Way to go!!

Robert E O'Connor

02/21/2017

$25.00

Elissa Durso Fischer

02/21/2017

$20.00

Anjali Chaudhry

02/17/2017

$50.00

Veronica Tovar

02/16/2017

$25.00

From not being able to run a lap around the track to this. You're a BEAST! you got this! Please dedicate 1 mile to my little cousin Emily to who lose her battle to cancer in 2009.

Gerardo Nava

02/14/2017

$250.00

My friend recently lost he's life to a brain tumor that took he's life after over a year of fighting and I'm making this payment to support a friend and a cause that may help others in the long run who have been fighting and deserve the opportunity to live

Martha Hunter

02/14/2017

$25.00

I wish I could donate more cousin but as you know I'm going through a different struggle due to Chiari! I hope this helps some. I'm proud of you! Your a beautiful, smart. kind, and
resilient women! Love you!

Steve Harrington

02/13/2017

$50.00

Every little bit helps, right?

Anne Drougas

02/13/2017

$60.00

Mia Luna

02/13/2017

$20.00

You're such an inspiration. Keep doing great things! Best of luck!

Xiolmara Martinez

02/09/2017

$10.00

Thank you for doing this!!

Feyza Yazar

02/09/2017

$50.00

Cristal, I will always support you and I am forever in your debt for your help. I am so happy I met you that day in clinic, and your strength and perseverance will always be an inspiration to me. I wish you the best in your trip and in all your future endeavors.

Michael Kiyosaki

02/06/2017

$250.00

Rene Ozanic

02/06/2017

$50.00

You are kicking cancer's butt girl! Ride like the wind :) (my company will match this for you too)

Michelle Lopez

02/04/2017

$50.00

Molly Akers

02/03/2017

$100.00

Go Crystal, you keep rocking more every day. We love you!
Cancer to 5k/TEAM CHI

Maria Simpkins

02/03/2017

$50.00

Kick ass Cristal!!!!

Kathleen Odell

01/31/2017

$100.00

Go Cristal!

Richard Walstra

01/31/2017

$100.00

You will have an incredible journey across the country! "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."